Born, raised and educated in St. Louis, Cory Elliott has always been dedicated to serving her beloved community with excellence and creating opportunities for others. After completing her undergraduate and graduate education, she embarked on a career in healthcare, working as a hospital administrator. Her team supported the facilities and construction departments, an experience that unexpectedly ignited her passion for entrepreneurship. “I started to love construction as much as healthcare—if not more,” Cory reflects, highlighting a pivotal moment that would change her career trajectory.
In 2012, fueled by her newfound enthusiasm, Cory founded CMT LLC. What began as a roofing company quickly evolved into a multifaceted enterprise that encompasses demolition, abatement, fencing, final cleaning and landscaping. Recognizing the growing demand for renewable energy, CMT expanded its services in 2021 to include solar energy solutions, successfully completing its first solar project and actively pursuing additional opportunities with local and state entities.
Cory Elliott
Partnering with SLCCU: Driving Growth and Generational Wealth
As CMT LLC grew, so did Cory’s ambition to enhance her business further. Seeking to restructure high-interest debt and acquire more working capital, she connected with St Louis Community Credit Union (SLCCU) through her contact and SLCCU partner Kevin Wilson at the local Small Business Empowerment Center. “The debt was impacting my ability to grow my company and acquire equipment and team members,” Cory explains. “It was really stifling my growth.”
With the support of LaTonya Jackson, SLCCU’s AVP of Business Services, Cory shared the history of CMT and outlined her vision for its future. Together, they devised a comprehensive plan that included a loan tailored to meet Cory’s specific needs. “I’m happy to say that we’re saving more than a million dollars over the life of the loan,” Cory beams. “This has allowed us to really catch up on things. Now we’re able to build the infrastructure for the general contracting company, which has been crucial for our growth and success.”
This significant cost savings is more than just a financial win for Cory; it’s personal. With four children involved in her burgeoning business, the reduction of high-interest debt has enabled her to focus on building a company that fosters generational wealth—not only for her family but also for other small Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE) like hers. “Creating a sustainable legacy is a priority for me,” Cory shares.
Cory’s experience with SLCCU exemplifies their commitment to providing safe and affordable access to capital tailored to the unique challenges faced by small business owners. “Our relationship has meant a great deal not only to us but also to the communities you serve,” Cory emphasizes. She recalls her attempts to purchase a building on Kingshighway/Chippewa in July 2021, where despite demonstrating solid debt coverage, 12 financial institutions turned her down. “The owner of the building initially financed the space for me. Fast forward to our restructure with SLCCU, and I was able to buy the building back from him with the financing I received.”
Cory continues, “I choose to partner with St. Louis Community Credit Union because of their unwavering commitment to supporting local businesses and their understanding of the unique challenges we face as women business owners, small business owners and Black business owners. They don’t just serve as a financial institution; they partner with us to foster our growth. It’s a refreshing approach.”
Cory’s personal journey inspires her to encourage other entrepreneurs to explore SLCCU for their unique financial needs. “SLCCU is a smart choice if you’re looking for a reliable, supportive business institution,” she advises. “Their dedication to helping businesses thrive, combined with their comprehensive services, makes them an invaluable partner.”
SLCCU is dedicated to inclusive finance, believing that when everyone in the community has an equal opportunity to succeed, all win. SLCCU is an Impact Cash® partner.
Learn More:
- St. Louis Community Credit Union champions local businesses and communities, providing tailored financial solutions that drive growth and create lasting impact.
- CNote is a women-led investment platform that empowers individuals and institutions to invest locally to further economic equality, racial justice, gender equity, and address climate change.
